Process
60-141 Lecture 1: Functions
C Library predefined, User defined functions
Dr. Robert Kent
Review 60-140 (and 60-100 or 62-140)
Lecture 1: Outline





The function concept
C Library Functions
User Defined Functions
Storage Classes and Scope Rules
Summary
The function concept


F(x,y)
Process
The word function has different grammatical usages, all
of which convey the notion of action, or performing
something useful
The word is embedded in common (natural) language

The mosquito has a function in the ecosystem.

This car is functioning well.

The square root function applied to a number X obtains a
number Y which, when multiplied by itself, reobtains X.

What are the functions of an operating system?
The function concept

F(x,y)
Process
From mathematics, we develop an appreciation of
functions as formal objects, having

Names (descriptives)


cube
logarithm
integral
Well-defined by strict algebraic properties and algorithms,
including limitations on applicability



square root
Eg. The cube function applied to X is found by multiplying X by itself
three times.
Eg. The set of all real square roots is determined over application of the
square root function to the non-negative real numbers only.
Associated values whenever specific numeric values are
applied

Eg. Applying the square root function to 4 returns the value 2.
The function concept


F(x,y)
Process
In computer science, programming languages have
evolved to incorporate the concept of functions
As in mathematics, programming functions have




Names
Well defined logic that determines the actions to be performed
Limitations on applicability
Associated values when specific input parameters are applied
float Radius_of_circle_squared ( float X, float Y ) {
return X*X + Y*Y ;
}
F(x,y) = R 2 =
F(2,3) =
x2 + y 2
2 2 + 3 2 = 13
for all (x,y) real
The function concept


Re-usable expertise
.... Standing on the shoulders of giants ....
But we may discover new functions that must be defined
and named by user programmers


Process
Again, following mathematics, we inherit some functions
with predefined names and definitions


F(x,y)
These also comprise the body of developing expertise
In this lecture we explore many facets of both predefined
functions from the C library system, and also user
defined functions that must be defined.
C Library Functions
Predefined Functions
Predefined
process
C Library Functions






C libraries
C Compiler and Pre-processor
Operating Systems, Loaders and Linkers
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>
Math Library <math.h>
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>
C libraries


The C library system is designed to support special
purpose programming needs, depending on the
conceptual nature of the need.
The system is subdivided into specific libraries, each
devoted to a particular topic (set of functions)


Each has its own name (eg. stdio.h)
Programs that refer to any function in a library must
include all the functions in that library.


This strategy is based on the premise that most programming
work that requires one function, most likely will also use the
other functions
Since all function codes must be included in the fully compiled
program, it is best to avoid unnecessary codes from other (nonincluded) libraries
C Compiler and Pre-processor


It is important to understand the role of the C compiler
and pre-processor in how functions are handled
We have already seen in basic programs that in order to
perform simple input (scanf) and output (printf) we must
write the line of code:


#include <stdio.h>
This code provides a stated link to a file (called a header
file - .h) that the compiler must know in order to properly
translate references to functions defined within the library


stdio.h contains the definitions of some parts (stubs) of the
functions defined within the standard input/output library
The actual executable files (already compiled) corresponding to
each function (or the entire library) are known to the O/S.
C Compiler and Pre-processor
#include <stdio.h>
int main ( ) {
int V = 7 ;
.....
printf ( “Value = %d\n”, V ) ;
.....
return 0 ;
}
File: stdio.h
.....
int printf ( char *S, void *V ) ;
.....
C program with function
reference from standard
I/O library
The actual machine code
is filed elsewhere for
location by the O/S
Compiled file for stdiolibrary
010000111101010101....
(printf machine code)
01110101010111111010....
.......
(scanf machine code)
1010101010111101011.....
The C preprocessor looks
for function definitions
within stdio.h file
C Compiler and Pre-processor
C program with function
#include <stdio.h>
reference from standard
int main ( ) {
I/O library
int V = 7 ;
The actual machine code
.....
Compiled file a.out
is filed elsewhere for
printf ( “Value HEADER
= %d\n”, CODE:
V);
location by the O/S
.....
Resources required,
including
Compiled
file for stdiolibrary
010000111101010101....
return 0 ;
machine codes for
I/O.
(printf machine
}
PROGRAM MACHINE
CODE: code)
01110101010111111010....
11010010001011010.....
.......
....
(scanf machine code)
File: stdio.h
00010101001010101
1010101010111101011.....
.....
The compiled program, a.out, contains translated machine codes for
int
printf to
( char
*S, invoid
*V ) ;but the actual function machine
references
functions
the library,
The C preprocessor looks
..... are referenced in a part of a.out called
codes
the file header. They are
for function definitions
not integrated with a.out until the program is loaded for execution.
within stdio.h file
Operating Systems, Loaders and Linkers

Operating Systems programs are responsible for
managing the computer’s resources and how they are
allocated, scheduled and used by user-programs

The request to load a program (a.out) for execution is
done by entering the executable filename at the system
prompt
%a.out


The O/S responds to this user request by looking at the file
a.out in the user’s filesystem (what you are looking at when you
log on) and verifying that it is an executable program

Otherwise, a system error message is outputted
Operating Systems, Loaders and Linkers

The O/S contains many programs that handle specific
tasks:

The Resource Allocator reads and interprets the header part
of the a.out file to determine which resources will be needed
and how much RAM to allocate to the program

The Loader is responsible for finding all parts of the machine
code files needed to complete the full user-program and place
those files into RAM locations allocated for this purpose

The Linker is responsible for resolving all machine RAM
addresses between the different files
Operating Systems, Loaders and Linkers
Res Alloc
Loader
Compiler
User C program
a.out
Final loaded,
resolved executable
process
Linker
C library system
stdio.h
stdio.h
math.h
math.h
stdlib.h
stdlib.h
DLL library system
Three Libraries

We will now turn our discussion to three of the C libraries

C libraries:

Standard Input/Output Library - stdio.h

Math Library – math.h

Standard Library – stdlib.h
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>

As the name suggests, the Standard Input-Output Library
header file <stdio.h> contains definitions (stubs) of
several useful, predefined functions to perform input and
output of characters

and constants such as EOF
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>

The functions can be divided into categories based on
whether

I/O involves a single character

I/O involves a string of characters that are not converted

I/O involves a string of character data that must be converted
from character to internal machine representation (or vice
versa)

Memory based conversions involving a string of character data
that must be converted from character to internal machine
representation (or vice versa)
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>


Single character I/O is provided with two functions
putchar


getchar


char Ch ; .... Ch = ‘W’ ; .... putchar( Ch ) ;
/* can output any valid character, including control */
char Ch ; .... Ch = getchar( ) ;
/* can input any valid character, including control */
Both of these functions are used to do I/O with only one
character, but this is the beginning of string processing
where groups of characters are manipulated.
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>

<stdio.h> provides definition of a special constant,
called the end-of-file marker, EOF.
/* Alternatively: */

The actual value of EOF may vary on different systems,
= getchar()
but isChtypically
the ;value -1.
while ( Ch != EOF ) {
.....
 The getchar()
and scanf()
functions return a value which
Ch = getchar()
;
can be
} assigned to a variable (int or char)
/* Once
thecan
input
obtained,
even
EOF
 This
variable
thenisbe
compared
withthe
EOF
to “detect” the
value, itcondition
can be stored and referenced later */
end-of-file

while ( ( Ch = getchar() ) != EOF ) { ..... }
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>

There are also two functions that are used to perform I/O
on strings of characters


A string in C is an array collection of char values,
delimited by a special character ‘\0’ (backslash-zero)


Literal strings are expressed as a sequence of valid characters,
including controls, contained within quotation marks
puts


The notion of a string will be discussed thoroughly in 60-141
(Chapters 6, 8)
..... puts ( “This is an output string 1 2 3 \n” ) ;
gets

To be discussed at a later time.
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>


Previously, we introduced and discussed the printf and
scanf functions and mention them here again as a
reminder
printf ( FormatString [, opt. Parms or Exprs ] ) ;




.... printf ( “I am a string\n” ) ;
.... printf ( “Value = %d”, intVal ) ;
.... printf ( “Value = %f”, 0.5 * (X+Y) ) ;
scanf ( FormatString [, opt. DestParms using & ] ) ;

.... scanf ( “%d%f”, &intVal, &floatVal ) ;
Standard Input-Output Library <stdio.h>

There are two functions provided that handle strings of
characters and are very similar to printf/scanf, but which
do not actually perform I/O.



sprintf
sscanf
These functions process string and numeric data but all
operations take place in RAM.

We will not discuss these at this time
Math Library <math.h>

As the name suggests, the Math Library header file
<math.h> contains definitions (stubs) for several often
used mathematical functions


Some of these are straightforward but used often enough to
warrant inclusion to save programmer time
These are divided into several categories, including basic
math, trigonometric and exponentiation/logarithm
functions
Math Library <math.h>

The math functions are all based on well-known
operations, but it is useful to review them in the
programming context

Math Library <math.h>







sqrt
pow
fabs
ceil
fmod
sin
exp
floor
cos
log
tan
atan
log10
Math Library <math.h>

Math Library <math.h>
Elmo has a 10 meter long ladder. He needs to lean it against the house
 sqrt
so that the top of the ladder is exactly 6 meters above the ground.
double X, Y ;


....
Y = sqrt ( X ) ; /* X >= 0 */
How far away from the house must Elmo set the base of the ladder?
Pythagorus Theorem:
Distance
= sqrt ( 10 * 10= -Base*Base+Height*Height
6 * 6 ) = sqrt ( 64 ) = 8.0
pow
Hypotenus*Hypotenus

double X, Y, Z ; .... Z = pow ( X, Y ) ; /* X to power Y */
/* Use with care ! Must be computable. */
6m
10 m

fabs

double X, Y ;
? Y = fabs ( X ) ; /* absolute value */
....
Math Library <math.h>


Math Library <math.h>
Consider the real division of X by Y :
ceil


ceil(x) = x
floor From this we denote:


X
realRemainder
int N ; float In
.... N = ceil ( Xalgebraic
notation
------ X
= ;mathematical,
intQuotient
+ ) ;--------------------/* ceil( 4.0) = 4 these
ceil( 4.001
) = 5 */
are represented
Y
Y as :
floor(x) = x
int N ; float X ; .... N = floor ( X ) ;
/* floor( fmod
4.0) = (4 X, floor(
) = 4 */
Y ) =4.9999
realRemainder
fmod (the “real” remainder)

float X, Y, Z ; .... Z = fmod ( X, Y ) ;
/* divide 4.5 by 2.1 to get fmod( 4.5, 2.1) = 0.3 (out of 2.1) */
Math


x
exp
(
x
)
=
e
log ( x ) =
Library <math.h>
ln ( x )
C
x
Math Library
<math.h>
Math  A ln ( e ) == x Identity !
a
Comp

logcos
( exp
) ) != atan
x
Trigonometry
: sin
B ( xtan

double
X, Y,sin
RadianAngle
Equality
not
guaranteed
due to limitations
of
(a)
= A / C cos(a)
=B/C
..... X = sin ( Y )machine
; .... Yprecision.
= cos ( RadianAngle ) ;
.... RadianAngle = atan ( X / Y ) ; ....

tan(a) = A / B atan(A/B) = a
pow ( 10, x ) = 10 x log10 ( x ) = log10 (x)
Exponential/Logarithm : exp
log
log10

double X, Y ;
.... Y = exp ( X ) ; .....
X = log ( Y ) ; /* natural logarithm */
.... X = log10 ( Y ) ; /* base-10 logarithm */
Math Library <math.h>


It is good
practice
to try tomust
develop
some of the
Since
any calculation
be completed
in a function
finite
algorithms
willit is
encounter
time you
period
necessary to truncate the series
a certain number
of terms
Consider theafter
trigonometric
function
sin(x)T(K).


How to calculate it?
This implies that any numeric calculation is only an
Use Taylor’s Theorem on continuous functions
approximation and not an exact algorithm.

sin(x)
= x - x3 / 3! + x5 / 5! - ... + (-1) K x2K+1 / (2K+1)! ...

= T(0) + T(1) + T(2) ...... + T(K) ....

This is called iteration, where we add successive terms to
an accumulator. The value in the accumulator must
converge to a specific value to be well defined.
Math Library <math.h>

In general, the (K+1)’th term is expressed








T(K+1) = (-1) K+1 x2K+3 / (2K+3)!
Note that this requires (2K+3) multiplications of x and
evaluation of (2K+3) factorial (recall how factorial overflows for
small values of K).
We use a “trick” (a useful strategy)
T(K+1) = (-1) K+1 x2K+3 / (2K+3)!
= - (-1) K x2K+1 / (2K+1)! x2 / ((2K+3)(2K+2))
= - T(K) * x2 / ((2K+3)(2K+2))
This needs only 4 multiplies, 1 division, and no overflow
typically
Now one can develop a loop that computes each
successive term and adds it to the sin accumulator until it
converges to a satisfactory limit.
Math Library <math.h>

The following codes illustrate such an algorithm


#include <math.h>
½ * (Snew + Sold ) is the average
float X, Sold, Snew, T, Slim = 0.00001 ;
(Snew-Sold) is the difference



Snew = T = X ;
We are demanding that the ratio of the difference
do
and{ the average be less than the lower limit, Slim
Sold = Snew ;
T = - T * X * X / (K+K+3) / (K+K+2) ;
Snew = Snew + T ;
} while( 2.0*fabs(Snew-Sold)/(Snew+Sold) >= Slim);
printf ( “sin(%f) = %f \n”, X, Snew ) ;
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>

The Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h> contains
definitions for a number of general purpose functions

Some of these will be discussed, such as those below
that are used to convert data from one machine
representation to another, or request memory allocation




atoi
atof
atol
strtod strtol strtoul
malloc calloc
We will discuss one very useful function involving the
concept and use of pseudo-random numbers
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>

Randomness is a property of nature that refers to the
unpredictability of events


Random numbers are any sets of numbers whose
pattern cannot be predicted


Radioactive decay of fissile materials cannot be predicted
Unfortunately, computer algorithms are deterministic, hence
they cannot (in principle) produce randomness
Pseudo-random numbers refer to a set of numbers
whose apparent behaviour resembles a set of truly
random numbers


Values are distributed evenly within an interval [A..B]
Order of production “appears” to be random, even though it is
not random
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>


Pre-defined pseudo-random functions
rand
int N ;

....
N = rand ( ) ;

Produces an integer value in the range from 0 to RAND_MAX
(defined within stdlib.h)

Each time rand() is called (used) it outputs a different value


But, it must be noted that the values repeat themselves if rand() is
called a large number of times
Values generated are evenly distributed within the range
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>


Pre-defined pseudo-random functions
rand
int N ;


N = rand ( ) ;
This can be adapted to produce values within a range [0..L) by
scaling with L using the modulus


....
N = rand() % L ;
Unfortunately, rand() always produces the same sequence of
values, starting at the same value. Eventually the sequence
repeats itself.
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>

Example: Rolling the dice – is it a gamble?

Example Code:








int playgame, T1, T2 ;
do {
printf ( “Quit (0) or Roll again (1) > “ ) ;
scanf ( “%d”, &playgame ) ;
if ( playgame ) {
T1 = rand() % 6 + 1 ;
T2 = rand() % 6 + 1 ;
printf ( “You threw a %d and a %d\n”, T1, T2 );
}
} while ( playgame ) ;
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>


We can partially overcome the limitations of rand() by
seeding the pseudo-random number generator algorithm
used in C.
srand

unsigned int Seed ;
.... scanf ( “%d”, &Seed ) ;
srand ( Seed ) ;

If a value of Seed is supplied (say, by inputting it) and it is
chosen “randomly”, then the pseudo-random sequence
generated thereafter by rand() begins at a different point

But the sequence is still not random
Standard Utilities Library <stdlib.h>




There is another library, <time.h>, which is useful for
seeding the pseudo-random sequence using the current
time (supplied by the system)
#include <time.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
srand ( time( NULL) ) ;
When used in programming, this avoids the need to enter
a seed value and the program uses a different time each
time it is run.
Other Libraries


Many other libraries do exist in the C programming
C99 :
system.
There is aerrno.h
newer dialect
C language called

assert.h
float.h of the
limits.h
C99. stdarg.h
signal.h time.h
stddef.h
setjmp.h
locale.h
This version
provides additional libraries, such as
complex numbers and functions and some
networking
and communications
Some of
these libraries
will be discussedfunctions.
in 60-141



Especially the string handling library – string.h
and the character handling library – ctype.h
We now turn attention to user-defined functions

.... where the student learns to write their own functions
User Defined Functions
Modular programming
User Defined Functions








Modular design and programming
Basic function template
Function prototypes and definitions
Functions and stacks
Call by value
Introduction to pointers
Call by (address) reference
Recursion
Modular design and programming

When we began the course, we discussed the difficulties
associated with designing large, complex programs


Modular design refers to the breakdown of large problems into
smaller units, or modules, each of which is easier to solve
Design approaches:





Top-Down
Bottom-Up
Stepwise refinement
Workflow
Structured programming
Identification of reusable modules
C provides capabilities for user programmers to define
their own modules in the form of functions.
Basic function template


Each function defined in a C program follows a basic
function template (structure)
functype FuncName ( [opt. parmtype ParmName] ) {
/* data declarations */
/* function body – executable statements */
return [functype value] ;
}
Basic function template




Examples:
/* Assume int A,B; float U,V; */
int isquare ( int X ) {
return X * X ;
}
/* Usage: B = isquare(A) ; */
FuncType
FuncName
ParmType ParmName
ReturnVal
float fsquare ( float X ) {
return X * X ;
}
/* Usage: U = fsquare(V) ; */
Basic function template

Examples:
double mysin ( double X ) {
double T = 0.0, Sold, Snew, Slim = 0.00001 ;
int K = 0 ;
Snew = T = X ;
do {
Sold = Snew ;
T = - T * X * X / (K+K+3) / (K+K+2) ;
K++ ; Snew = Snew + T ;
} while( 2.0*fabs(Snew-Sold)/(Snew+Sold) >= Slim);
return Snew ;
}
Function Prototypes and Definitions



Most design work begins using a Top-Down approach.
During this phase one is not concerned with details,
necessarily, rather high-level concepts.
It is usually straightforward to identify need for functions
that will accomplish a task, together with the input data
and the required output (if any). Typically, the designer is
concerned with the general function concept, but not with
the specific algorithm that defines the function.
This leads to the problem that in C programming it is
required that all symbolic references, including function
references, demand prior definition of the function.

Otherwise, compilers cannot correct resolve references
Function Prototypes and Definitions

To support rapid application development (RAD),
programmers usually define functions in two stages

A prototype of the function is provided before the main function
definition. The form of the prototype statement permits the
compiler to translate function references.

The actual full definition of the function is then placed after
main and at a later stage of program development.
Function Prototypes and Definitions

Prototypes


Formal statements that describe the structural attributes of a
function. Under some circumstances a prototype is not
required and a full function definition is supplied.
Definitions

Formal, rigorous definitions of the structure and the internal
logic of a function. The definition may be placed before main –
in such cases a prototype statement may be eliminated as
unnecessary.
#include <stdio.h>
In prototype statements, it
Function PrototypesNOTE:
and
Definitions
is not necessary
to provide
double mysin ( double ) ;
names of parameter variables –
only their data types are required.
int main ( ) {
double Angle = 1.57 ;
printf ( “The sine of %lf = %lf\n”, Angle, mysin( Angle ) ) ;
return 0 ;
}
HOWEVER: In function
definitions it is required that
double mysin ( double X ) {
all parameter names be
double T = 0.0, Sold, Snew, Slim = 0.00001
; since they will be
specified,
int K = 0 ; Snew = T = X ;
referenced within the function
do {
body.
Sold = Snew ;
T = - T * X * X / (K+K+3) / (K+K+2) ;
K++ ; Snew = Snew + T ;
} while( 2.0*fabs(Snew-Sold)/(Snew+Sold) >= Slim);
return Snew ;
}
Operating System
Functions and stacks

When programs are compiled, the file created (a.out) is
composed as a set of machine coded modules, each
Code
corresponding to a particular need



A module for executable instructions (code)
A module for certain kinds of data (data)
(Static) Data
In general, programs require additional modular
Heap
structures within RAM, when loaded for execution



Buffer modules for I/O
Heap space for dynamic memory allocations
I/Orequested
Buffers by the
program during execution
Stack space for storing and retrieving function data dynamically
during execution
Stack
Functions and stacks

The role of the stack is an important detail in
understanding how functions operate during execution

Each function has an associated data structure that
groups all the function variables, including the function
value itself (the return value), plus additional information,
into a single data module (stack data frame, also called
an activation record).

Every time a function is called, an allocation of stack
memory is made – just enough for the data frame.
Functions and stacks

The life-cycle of a function call is detailed below


Stack space is allocated for the function frame
The frame is initialized with data supplied
Within
the of
function
definition course, students will learn
As
part
the 60-141
 about
Through
calling interface
using the values
supplied
a the
subject
(and techniques)
called
dynamic
 The address of the return point (where the function was called from)
memory allocation.
As These
the function
code is executed,
all variable
techniques
will teach
how to references
constructare
a made
to the frame locations assigned (by the compiler and linker)
stack and function frame data structures, as well
The final result is stored in the frame
as how to process the data stored in the frame.






The return statement obtains the return point address from the
frame, then returns to that instruction
The stack de-allocates the frame space and re-uses it for other
functions
There are more details, and intricacies, to follow later.
Function Interface – data passing

The function interface refers to the design and
mechanisms implemented for passing data into and out
from a function based on how the function is referenced
(called)
Input
Output
(a,b,c)

F(a,b,c)
F
We will discuss two methods of passing data



Call by Value (copy)
Call by Reference (address)
We will also need to introduce the concept of address pointers
and operators
Y
4
A
4
Call by value

Consider the function definition:

and the calling statement:



int cube ( int A ) { return A * A * A ; }
X = cube ( Y ) ;
frame
When the cube function is called, its function data frame
is allocated RAM space on the stack



The function variable A refers to an int storage at a stack
specific RAM address.
The variable Y refers to a different RAM address where an int
value has been stored.
After the function data frame allocation is completed, the frame
is initialized by fetching the integer value stored at Y and
copying it to the location A in the frame.
Call by value



The Call by Value approach is sometimes described as a
direct approach because of the way that a copy of
original data (whose location is provided directly in the
calling statement interface) is created and stored at a
well-defined stack location.
The technique also provides for process and data
isolation. Isolation refers to the fact that any changes
made to variables within a function are not reflected in
other (external to function) variables.
Clearly, there can be a severe efficiency problem if the
amount of data passed in to a function is too large


It may take more time to move data than to process it and
return a result
It is best to keep the CPU busy and not the data bus !
Introduction to pointers


The Call by Value method permits return of a value using
storage allocated on a stack – this storage is limited by
the data type attributed to the function (functype).
What if we want to pass many values into a function, but
also obtain many values back from a function as the
results of processing.




Matrix inversion or transposition
Sort all the values in a list and return the sorted list
Find all values in a list and return all their locations in the list
We can solve this problem by providing the actual RAM
address locations (where data is stored in the calling
routine) where we want data taken from, or placed as
final results.
Introduction to pointers



The technique of treating a Ram address as data and
passing the address data to a function is called Call by
Reference (or Call by Address).
We defer further discussion until after we have discussed
the concept of pointer in C.
We begin by introducing two operators


Address_Of :: &
Dereferencing :: *
Introduction to pointers

Address_Of ::
& (ampersand)
Assume: int W = 0, N = 5 ;
int * addrN ;
 Now the expression addrN = &N ; causes the RAM address
NOTE:
of the variable N (where the
value 5 is stored, but not the value
to declare
a pointer
variable
capable
itself)Intoorder
be stored
(assigned)
in the
variable
addrN.of
storing the address of a variable (symbolic
reference) it is necessary to supply the data
 Dereferencing
* (asterisk)
type of the::variable
and then the * operator to
 The expression
Wthe
= * variable
addrN ; being
causes
the value
indicate that
defined
is anstored at the
address stored in
addrN pointer
(ie. the address
address
variable.of variable N) to be
copied (assigned) to the variable W. Since addrN is a
reference to variable N, it is called a pointer (more specifically
an int pointer) to N. The expression * addrN dereferences
addrN by fetching the value 5 stored at N. This is called
indirect addressing.

Introduction to pointers

It is very important to appreciate the relationship
between how a pointer is declared and how it may
be used.



C is called a strongly typed language because it enforces
type compatibility, even using pointers.
It does so by ensuring that the data used by
dereferencing matches the typing requirements of logical
expressions.
For instance, there is a difference between a pointer
variable of type int* as opposed to another pointer
variable of type double*.
Call by (address) Reference





Assume the declaration ...... and the function definition

int X = 4 ;
void cube ( int * N ) {
*N = *N * *N * *N ;
return ;
} /* be careful with asterisks !! */
Now consider the calling statement

cube ( &X ) ;
Note that we pass into the function the Address_Of variable X (ie.
&X).
Inside the cube function, the variable N contains &X. In order to
calculate the cube of 4 (the value of X) it is necessary to dereference
N (ie. *N).
The final result is assigned indirectly back in the variable X, again
using *N to refer to the storage location of the variable X.
Call by (address) Reference

Assume the declaration ... and the function definition

int X = 4 ;
void cube ( int * N ) {
*N = *N * *N * *N ;
return ;
} /* be careful with asterisks !! */

When a dereferencing operator is applied, as in *N, the data stored
in N (the address of X) is fetched to the CPU. Then the data stored
at this stored address is used to fetch the required data at the
location X (ie. the value 4).
Thus, two memory references (fetches) are made in order to
acquire the needed data for calculations.
As we shall see later, the main power of Call by Reference using
pointers lies in how it supports access to large sets of data.


Recursion

Recursion is a strategy for solving problems in one
(large) domain by using solutions based on the same
strategy obtained from application to smaller domains.

Consider the factorial problem, F(N) = N !





Limitations:
Base case 0 :
Base case 1 :
Recursive case:
F(N) not defined for N < 0
0! = 1
1! = 1
F(N) = N * F(N-1)
C supports programming where a function calls itself.
This is called recursion in programming.
Recursion

Consider the factorial problem, F(N) = N !









Limitations:
Base case 0 :
Base case 1 :
Recursive case:
F(N) not defined for N < 0
0! = 1
1! = 1
F(N) = N * F(N-1)
int Factorial ( int N ) {
if ( N < 0 ) return -1 ; /* indicate negative input */
if ( N == 0 || N == 1 ) return 1 ; /* base cases */
return N * Factorial ( N-1 ) ; /* recursive step */
}
Recursion


Recursion is an alternative to Iteration.
Both involve repetition


Recursion repeatedly calls a function and therefore uses the
call stack to store data – this takes time
Recursion is based on selection


Must be able to terminate the recursive algorithm by selecting a
base case
However, iteration involves a control structure that must still
make a decision to loop again, or exit the loop.

Recursion is elegant
Iteration has higher performance, typically

Both have advantages and disadvantages – learn both !!

Storage Classes & Scope Rules
The fine art of referencing ...
3C : Storage Classes & Scope Rules



Symbolic Referencing Issues
Storage Classes
Scope Rules
Symbolic Referencing Issues



We use symbolic names as a vital part of C programming
in order to declare names of variables, functions and
other items.
We have already encountered one important rule
concerning referencing of symbol names – we must
declare all names before they may be referenced.
It is necessary to understand all the rules concerning how
we may reference symbol names

And whether we may even be prohibited from referencing
names under certain conditions
Storage Classes

In C programs, symbolic names (identifiers) that refer to
data storage (variables, functions) fall into two categories
of storage class depending on their duration (lifetime)



Automatic storage duration (short lifetime)



Some identifiers exist in memory for only a brief period
Others exist for the entire time the program itself exists in RAM
auto
register
Static storage duration (long lifetime)


static
extern
Storage Classes

Automatic storage duration is used for identifiers that
exist only briefly. There are two subclasses

Auto storage is the default storage class. It refers to all
variables that are defined inside of any function (unless
explicitly defined otherwise)


auto int N ;
is the same as
int N ;
Auto variables are allocated space in RAM when
functions are called (ie. space on the stack). These
storage spaces are de-allocated when leaving the
function.
Storage Classes

Register storage is a special class and NOTE:
refers to data that
Not every system and C compiler will
is stored in CPU hardware
registers
support the register storage class option


In this example, N does not refer to a RAM location,
rather a CPU register location. Data is moved to the
register and subsequently manipulated at that location


register int N ;
– in such systems the register
declaration defaults to auto storage
class.
This avoids the need to move data back and forth between
RAM and CPU
Both auto and register storages are sometimes called
local identifiers.
Storage Classes

Static storage duration refers to identifiers whose lifetime
is as long as the program’s lifetime. There are two subclasses

Static variables are allocated permanent storage in RAM
when programs are first loaded into memory.



static int N = 5 ;
Once a value is assigned to a static storage (N), the value
stays even if the function is exited and then re-entered. Any
changes in N are also kept until the next reference or
modification.
Static variables are destroyed (deallocated) only when the
program terminates.
Storage Classes

Example of static storage allocation:

#include <stdio.h>
int add2 ( void ) ;
int main ( ) {
int N ;
N = add2() ;
printf( “%d\n”, N ) ;
/* outputs value of N as 2 */
N = add2() ;
printf( “%d\n”, N ) ;
/* outputs value of N as 4 ! */
return 0 ;
}
int add2 ( void ) {
static int A = 0 ; /* A is initialized to 0 only the first time */
A += 2 ;
/*
that the function add2 is called. */
return A ;
/* Thereafter, 2 is added each time. */
}
Storage Classes


Extern storage refers to a symbol which, like static, is
permanent for the lifetime of the program.
Such identifiers permit compilers and linkers to reference
identifiers that may be declared inside of other compiled
program modules


extern int N ;
Both static and extern identifiers are sometimes called
global identifiers (see next section on Scope)
Scope Rules


Since symbol names may be referenced only after they
have been declared, it follows that there are limits on how
and where symbol names may be referenced
The Scope of a symbol name refers to the part(s) of a
program where the name may be referenced.


Scope is sometimes referred to as a name space
There are four aspects of symbolic name scope




Function scope
File scope
Block scope
Function-Prototype scope
Scope Rules – Function scope

Variable names that are declared within functions have
function scope



Such variables may be referenced only within the function in
which they are declared
References from outside the function generate compiler errors,
as if the variable name had never been declared
int FuncName ( ...... ) {
int A, B ; /* function scope */
float X ; /* function scope */
printf ( “&d &d &f”, A, B, X ) ;
}
All references to A,
B or X must stay
“within the box” of
the function
definition.
Scope Rules – Function scope



Example:
int F1 ( void ) {
int X = 5 ;
return X ;
}
int main ( ) {
printf ( “%d”, X ) ;
return 0 ;
}
/* Does NOT compile! */
Scope Rules – Function scope



Example:
int F1 ( void ) {
int X = 5 ;
return X ;
}
int main ( ) {
int X = 2 ;
printf ( “%d”, X ) ;
return 0 ;
}
In effect, two different versions of X exist
– each with its own allocated RAM
storage location.
This can be clarified by thinking of one
variable being the
“X that exists only inside of F1”
while the other is the
“X that exists only inside of main”.
/* Output: 2 */
Scope Rules – File scope

Symbol names can be declared outside of any function


Variable names that are declared before function
definitions may be referenced directly from within those
functions


The typical practice is to declare variables within functions,
particularly the main function, in order to enforce localization.
They are often referred to as Global variables because they
can be “globally” recognized by the compiler
Global variables have static storage class

They are allocated RAM storage locations when the program is
loaded and the data stored is persistent for the lifetime of the
program itself.
Scope Rules – File scope
Example:




#include <stdio.h>
int A = 4 ; /* file scope */
float X = 6.5 ;
char C ;
int Func1 ( ) {
return A + 1 ;
}
float Func2 ( int Z ) {
X=X–Z;
return 3.0 * X ;
}
char Func3 ( ) {
return ( C = ‘w’ );
}






int main ( ) {
int B ;
int Y ;
B = Func1( );
Func3( );
Y = Func2( X – 0.5 );
printf( “%d %d\n”, A, B );
printf( “%f %f\n”, X, Y );
printf( “%c\n”, C );
}
OUTPUT:
4 5
0.5 1.5
w
Scope Rules – File scope

When to use Global variables

There are times when it is most convenient to declare and
use global variables for “system” related data



Inter-process communication for control
Data that is mandated to be treated with utmost care and
diligence
When to not use global variables

Some argue that global variables should never be used


This follows the principle of strong localization enforcement
Most of the time, use function scoping to control the data
flow through the function calling interface

This promotes greater clarity and understanding of the logical
intent of the programmer and of the algorithm
Scope Rules – Block scope



Block scope provides a specific programming mechanism
for strongly enforcing the principle of localization of
variable referencing and algorithmic logic
C provides for execution of statements, whether simple
or compound.
C also provides for separation of compiled code space
and static data space in the RAM allocations when the
program is loaded.


Thus, it is possible to locate variable declaration statements
within and amongst executable statements !
This is not necessarily recommended as it can lead to
“spaghetti code” that is very difficult to understand
Scope Rules – Block scope




Example:
int main ( ) {
int X = 3, K = 10 ;
printf( “%d %d\n”, K, X );
{ register int K ;
for( K = 0 ; K < 4 ; K++ ) {
X=X+K;
printf( “%d %d\n”, K, X ) ;
}
}
printf( “%d %d\n”, K, X );
return 0 ;
}
OUTPUT:
10 3
0 3
1 4
2 6
3 9
10 9
Scope Rules – Function-Prototype scope

Function-Prototype scope states, simply, that any symbol
name declared within the prototype of a function may
only be referenced within the prototype


This is not the same as a function reference where a
symbolic variable name identified in the function interface of
the definition is referenced within the function body
This may seem a trifle useless at first, but it is a necessary
condition of a formal computing language that this case be
properly identified and accounted for



Otherwise, compilers might not be able to handle certain codes
Example:
int Func ( float X ) ; /* X is not required! */
int main ( ) { .... }
int Func ( float Y ) { .... } /* Y is required */
Lecture 1 : Summary
Functions
Lecture 1: Summary

C Library Functions
User Defined Functions
Storage Classes and Scope Rules
Reading and Review: Chapters 1-5, 9, 13, 14.

Assigned Reading:





Chapter 5 – C Functions
Chapter 6 – C Arrays